Could volunteering lead to a job? Most may equate volunteering as something teens do during their summer vacation or older people at do at church or a hospital. Although important, volunteering has its advantages. The U.S. Department of Labor estimates that 12.8 million people are currently unemployed and finding a job may take weeks, months or even a year. With job growth and creation moving at a snail's pace, job seekers may need to consider unconventional methods of obtaining employment. Simply sending a resume and waiting for a response may not be the answer. You may need to think outside of the box and consider volunteering in the community if full time or part-time jobs are not available. In fact, volunteering could be an avenue to landing a job, especially if you have little or no work experience. It's a win-win situation for the job seeker as well as the employer. But, in order to maximize any volunteer opportunity, consider the following. Be picky: Consider your work history and research companies or non-profit organizations that best fits your skills. For example, if you previously worked in marketing or public relations, consider working for a non-profit in need of those services. Likewise, if you are trying to sharpen your skills in hopes of landing a job, consider a volunteer opportunity that allows you to hone or work on those specific skill sets. Get in the loop: Volunteering is an opportunity to stay connected and visible. Volunteering may also provide an opportunity to work with leaders in your line of work who can provide advice, a job referral or even a reference for a job. Additionally, you may have an opportunity to meet key decision makers, board members or supporters from various occupations and industries. Satisfaction: Seize the opportunity to help others. Your act of kindness whether received as being big or small, may impact an entire community. Also, volunteering demonstrates community awareness to social issues and shows that you actually possess the skills needed to perform certain job duties. You never know when a prospective employer may be inclined to consider volunteer work when searching for candidates to fill a position. Fill in the gaps: Looking for a job can be taxing and may take months in some cases to find employment. Listing volunteer experience helps fill in employment gaps and demonstrate to prospective employers that you didn't opt to just watch television or hang out during your down time. Additionally, volunteering helps you stay connected to the workforce and the latest trends in your profession. Furthermore, dislocated workers, recent college graduates, stay-at-home mothers looking to re-enter the workforce should look for opportunities to gain work experience by participating in volunteer activities. In fact, volunteers are needed for several non-profit agencies throughout Mobile County. Consider Hands on South Alabama (www.handsonal.org) which has a variety of volunteer opportunities. RSVP, (251.574.7787) for example, offers volunteer opportunities for individuals 55 and older and United Way of Southwest Alabama (www.uwswa.org) has several partner agencies in need of volunteers.